A "25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE" Question

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 12:52pm

A theatre near me is doing this show. Most of the roles are cast, but a few are open. The only role I could play is Chip, which was played by Jose Llana on Broadway. I can't remember, but in the script is there anything about this role being ethnic?

[broadway122]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 12:55pm

I don't think they made any mention to the ethnicity of Chip I could be wrong though.

[Just_John]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 12:56pm

I know for a fact he doubled as Jesus and then Marcy says something along the lines of "Jesus? I knew you were Asian." I feel like there might have been more but that's the only one that stuck.

[broadway122]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 12:57pm

Oh I totally forgot Chip doubled as Jesus, thanks for reminding me.

[CyCoSpAz2]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 12:58pm

Oh man, I miss this show

[fetzles1490]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 1:50pm

Chip did double as Jesus in the Broadway production, but my camp did it this past summer and our Chip wasn't Asian. They had him speak in a strong 'Jewish' accent (clearly that isn't an actual accent, but for lack of a better term it gets the point across) and changed Marcy's line to fit the circumstances and it was equally funny.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 1:57pm

Thanks!

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 1:59pm

I miss SPELLING BEE so much.

One of the funniest shows I've literally ever seen.

[Jon]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 2:01pm

In the Chicago production, Chip's last name was changed to something vaguely Jewish rather than Phillipino.

[esparza 333]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 2:04pm

I also miss Spelling Bee. It was brilliant, hilarious and Finn's wittiness combined with Lapine's intimate and spontaneous direction made it a night of Comedy Gold.

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 2:05pm

esparza... do you EVER talk like a normal human being?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 3:06pm

Chip's alternate surname is Berkowitz.

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 5:49pm

So, what you are saying is that I (being white) can probably easily audition for the part?

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 7:09pm

It can't hurt.

BTW forgot to mention that David Campbell, the original Chip in the Aussie version was white. (And they kept the name "Tolentino, go fig.) Although Barfee was played by a woman...

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 9:03pm

"One of the funniest shows I've literally ever seen."

And that's one of the most unintentionally hilarious lines I have figuratively ever read.

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 9:03pm

Go for it, MTVMANN.

Eww, Barfee as a woman? Not only do the jokes just not seem as funny from a "little girl," what about the crush Barfee has Olive? (and her hairdooooooo!)

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 9:13pm

Well, she played it AS a boy.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts-reviews/the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee/2007/06/18/1182018972802.html

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 9:27pm

I just saw the show two weeks ago with a very white bread "Chip Barrington." i think they adjust the name to fit the actor.

[mijofly19]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 7:05am

I haven't seen it posted on the board yet but if anybody misses this as much as I do they'll be happy to know that it's coming to the Westchester Broadway Theatre next February.

[singtopher]

Posted: 6/15/09 at 8:16am

When the show first came out, I thought Tolentino was italian. I couldn't figure out why they changed it in the Chicago production.